Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Iceland Hamragarðar Gljúfrabúi

Gljúfrabúi

This fantastical waterfall is hidden in a cave located in a cracked cliff.

Hamragarðar, Iceland

Added By
Ravi
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Gljúfrabúi, Iceland   Ravi Sarma
Gljúfrabúi   Domenico Convertini / CC BY-SA 2.0
Gljúfrafoss, Iceland   Ravi Sarma
  Ravi Sarma
  FluidNick / Atlas Obscura User
  lukavandermeij / Atlas Obscura User
  lukavandermeij / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Waterfalls can make for some of the most magical vistas in the world as they carve solid rock into often incredible formations. Such is the case with Iceland's Gljúfrabui waterfall, which is almost completely hidden behind a cliff face. The waterfall has carved a mossy cylindrical chamber into the rock which can only be reached through a thin crack in the outside cliff wall.

Once through the crack, explorers are hit with the incredible majesty of the hidden waterfall as it crashes into a pool at the base of the cave. The interior of the cave is nearly completely covered in a thin carpet of greenery thanks to its continually moist surroundings. These clandestine waterworks distill the natural wonder of Iceland's scenic beauty.

Related Tags

Waterfalls Hidden Water

Know Before You Go

This waterfall is easily accessible from Route 249 is a short distance off the Route 1 Ring Road in Iceland. It is a few hundred feet past the more famous Seljalandsfoss.

Atlas Obscura Adventures

Iceland in Summer: Journey through the South Coast & the Westman Islands

Explore Iceland's Myths, Wonders, & Landscapes.

Book Now

Community Contributors

Added By

ravi

Edited By

Collin, firda, aribrown, Allison...

  • Collin
  • firda
  • aribrown
  • Allison
  • Michelle Cassidy
  • RidgeRunner
  • karahankins17
  • jyackabonis
  • FluidNick
  • lukavandermeij

Published

November 26, 2015

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Gljúfrabúi
Hamragarðar
Iceland
63.620863, -19.986449

Nearby Places

South Iceland's Bra Fence

Hvolsvöllur, Iceland

miles away

Elliðaey Island Lodge

Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

miles away

Seljavallalaug

Skogar, Iceland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Iceland

Iceland

Europe

Places 149
Stories 41

Nearby Places

South Iceland's Bra Fence

Hvolsvöllur, Iceland

miles away

Elliðaey Island Lodge

Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

miles away

Seljavallalaug

Skogar, Iceland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Iceland

Iceland

Europe

Places 149
Stories 41

Related Stories and Lists

Hidden Waterfalls, Secret Beaches and More Journeys of the Soul

By Atlas Obscura

Related Places

  • Water gushes down a green mountain at Asik-Asik falls.

    Alamada, Philippines

    Asik-Asik Falls

    This wondrous waterfall rushing down a green-covered mountain wasn't discovered until 2010.

  • Rainbow Falls

    Manitou Springs, Colorado

    Rainbow Falls

    Hidden beneath a bridge, this waterfall is known for the large amounts of graffiti painted on its base.

  • Tumalo Falls.

    Bend, Oregon

    Tumalo Falls

    An attractive free-plunge waterfall outside Bend in the Deschutes National Forest.

  • Cascata Diamantina and its little natural pool

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Cascata Diamantina (Diamantina Waterfall)

    A hidden and beautiful waterfall in middle of one of the biggest urban forests of the world.

  • Looking down at the water-carved tunnels

    Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

    Trümmelbach Falls

    Visit Europe's largest subterranean waterfall, carved by water from the glaciers of the towering peaks surrounding the valley.

  • Cascada Cailor

    Borșa, Romania

    Cascada Cailor (Horses Waterfall)

    A stunning waterfall in the mountains of Romania.

  • Cascade Falls

    Ouray, Colorado

    Cascade Falls Park

    Let Ouray’s tallest waterfall sweep your breath away on a dealer’s choice of scenic hikes.

  • Cachoeiras do Horto (Horto Waterfalls)

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Cachoeiras do Horto (Horto Waterfalls)

    A trio of waterfalls inside the world’s largest urban forest.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.